Ottawa, IL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ottawa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ottawa, IL presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 73 out of 100, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With average home values around $318,310 and annual STR revenue averaging $29,479, investors can achieve meaningful yield relative to acquisition costs. The market currently hosts 73 active Airbnb listings with a 34% occupancy rate — right in line with the Illinois state average — and a notable 66% year-over-year growth in listing count signals rising investor interest in this small-market gem along the Illinois River.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ottawa short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Ottawa

Ottawa appeals to investors seeking favorable revenue-to-price ratios in a growing small-market destination with seasonal outdoor recreation and tourism appeal.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ottawa represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors looking beyond saturated metro markets, earning its 73/100 ROI score through a strong revenue-to-price ratio and above-average growth trajectory. The market's pronounced seasonality — with August peaks near $4,180 and January lows around $1,152 — means investors should plan for roughly a 3.5x revenue swing between best and slowest months. Larger properties clearly outperform here, with 4-bedroom units capturing 50% occupancy and $38,589 in annual revenue, far exceeding smaller configurations. The moderate supply of just 73 listings leaves room for well-positioned new entrants, though the rapid 66% listing growth warrants attention to ensure the market doesn't tip toward oversupply."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ottawa

Average revenue by month in Ottawa

Ottawa's revenue peaks sharply in July and August at roughly $4,168–$4,180, then drops to its lowest point in January at $1,152 — nearly a 3.6x spread that underscores the market's strong summer seasonality. Investors should budget for lean winter months while capitalizing on a solid five-month window (June–October) where monthly revenue consistently exceeds $2,800.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ottawa

Two-bedroom properties dominate Ottawa's supply with 33 of 73 total listings (45%), followed by 3-bedrooms at 18 units. One-bedroom listings are notably scarce at just 7, which could represent either limited demand or an underserved niche worth exploring given their $2,248 average monthly revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ottawa

Three-bedroom properties command the highest ADR at $265, creating a significant premium over 2-bedrooms at $168, while 4-bedrooms actually dip to $227. This suggests 3-bedroom homes hit a pricing sweet spot for group travelers, though the lower ADR on 4-bedrooms may reflect competitive pricing strategies to maintain their market-leading 50% occupancy.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ottawa

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $113, nearly double the next-best 2-bedroom category at $66, thanks to a combination of solid ADR and the highest occupancy rate in the market. One-bedroom units trail significantly at $40 RevPAN, indicating that smaller configurations struggle to generate efficient per-night revenue in Ottawa.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ottawa

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size in Ottawa — 4-bedroom properties lead at 50% while 3-bedrooms lag at just 21%, despite 3-bedrooms having the highest ADR. Two-bedroom units maintain a steady 39% occupancy, making them a reliable option for investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency over peak-revenue potential.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ottawa

Four-bedroom properties top the revenue charts at $3,215 per month, followed by 3-bedrooms at $2,993 and 1-bedrooms at $2,248. Two-bedroom units, despite being the most common listing type, generate the lowest monthly revenue at $1,874, suggesting the segment may face more competitive pricing pressure due to its larger supply.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ottawa

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom homes generate the highest revenue at $38,589, followed by 3-bedrooms at $35,917 — a meaningful step up from 1-bedrooms ($26,986) and 2-bedrooms ($22,492). The $16,000+ gap between 4-bedroom and 2-bedroom annual revenue makes larger properties compelling for investors willing to take on higher acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ottawa

Every listed property in Ottawa offers a kitchen (100%), and parking is nearly universal at 97%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of this small-city market. Self check-in (86%), washer/dryer (85%), and workspace (63%) round out the essentials, while outdoor amenities like patios (58%), pet-friendliness (51%), and BBQ grills (49%) signal that guests expect a home-like outdoor experience — investors adding pools (currently at 29%) or hot tubs (6%) could differentiate effectively.

Understanding Ottawa's ROI Score: 73/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Ottawa's ROI score of 73 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor at 40% — which reflects strong yield potential relative to the market's $318,310 average home value. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate as average, while the market growth trend scores above average, suggesting the destination is gaining traction without yet showing signs of saturation. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level due diligence to validate individual deal economics.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ottawa

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Ottawa. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ottawa, Illinois may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with the City of Ottawa and LaSalle County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Ottawa can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Additionally, homeowners association rules may apply in certain neighborhoods, and investors should confirm whether any permit caps or zoning restrictions are in effect locally.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Illinois are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm whether Ottawa levies any additional municipal lodging or tourism taxes beyond the state-level obligations.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Ottawa can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ottawa's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory given the above-average market growth trend identified in our analysis. Summer months (July–August) should remain the primary revenue drivers, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $4,000–$4,200 during peak season, while winter months may dip to the $1,100–$1,500 range. ADR could see modest gains of 2–5% as operators refine pricing strategies and the market matures. However, with listing supply growing at 66% year-over-year, investors should monitor whether demand keeps pace with the rapidly expanding inventory to ensure occupancy remains stable."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ottawa, IL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ottawa?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ottawa, IL is currently 34%, which is slightly above the Illinois state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 4-bedroom properties lead at 50%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units average 23% and 21% respectively. Two-bedroom properties sit at a solid 39%, making them a reliable mid-range option for consistent bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ottawa?

Airbnb hosts in Ottawa earn an average of $2,456 per month and approximately $29,479 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies by property size, with 4-bedroom homes generating the most at roughly $3,215 per month ($38,589 annually) and 2-bedroom properties earning around $1,874 per month ($22,492 annually). Peak summer months like July and August can push monthly earnings above $4,100.

Is Ottawa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ottawa earns an ROI score of 73 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strongest selling point is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values of $318,310 and annual STR revenue near $29,479, the yield potential compares favorably to many larger Illinois markets. Investors should be prepared for seasonal revenue swings and should research local regulations before committing.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Ottawa?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ottawa is $215, which is below the Illinois state average of $319. ADR varies by property size: 3-bedroom homes command the highest rate at $265, followed by 4-bedrooms at $227, 1-bedrooms at $177, and 2-bedrooms at $168. The lower-than-state-average ADR is offset by Ottawa's significantly more affordable property prices, contributing to its strong revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ottawa?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Ottawa, IL, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the city. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should contact the City of Ottawa directly or consult with a local real estate attorney to confirm current rules around STR permits, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ottawa?

Peak season for Airbnb in Ottawa runs from June through October, with July and August being the strongest months at approximately $4,168 and $4,180 in average monthly revenue respectively. The shoulder months of September and October still perform well, averaging $2,888 and $2,947. The slowest period is January through March, when monthly revenue drops to the $1,152–$1,611 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ottawa?

Ottawa currently has 73 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom properties (33 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (18), 4-bedrooms (8), and 1-bedrooms (7). The market has experienced significant 66% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating growing investor interest in this area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ottawa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ottawa are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual performance may differ as supply and demand evolve. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.